Among the concerns are the ages of some of the actors. Several "Skins" cast members are as young as 15 years old. Their roles in upcoming episodes, which include nudity, have prompted some to wonder whether MTV is doing a delicate dance around child pornography issues.

"The bar keeps getting higher for what gets provocative on televisions," said TV Guide's Battaglio. "This time they decided to take a chance on it."

While the controversy surrounding "Skins" may be new, scandals surrounding dramas written and targeted for teens is not. "Skins" joins a growing list of television shows in recent years that have gotten teens talking - and parents worried.

Just last year, "Gossip Girl," the CW series about Manhattan teens, caused a scandal when three of its characters took part in three-way sex.

But some high school students say they prefer the kind of drama that's portrayed on "Skins." They say it's true-to-life whether parents like it or not.

"That's just really how life is except not to their extremes," one teen told ABC News.

"You can't say I don't want them to watch this because then they'll do it. She might already be doing that. You can't say it's all television," another teen added.